“The supreme representation body of the country, which is elected by Georgian people and is solely accountable towards Georgian people acted rightfully in accordance with the will expressed by the Georgian people when creating the most important legal basis for solidifying the state sovereignty of Georgia,” stated the Georgian Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, during the press conference held at the government administration.

“I wish to comment on the overcoming of the Presidential Veto by the Parliament of Georgia and eventual passing of the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence. The supreme representation body of the country, which is elected by Georgian people and is solely accountable towards Georgian people acted rightfully in accordance with the will expressed by the Georgian people when creating the most important legal basis for solidifying the state sovereignty of Georgia.

As noted at multiple occasions, transparency of foreign influence is supported by over 80% of the country’s population, while the actual Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence – against the criticism of foreigners – is supported by over 60% of the population.

Recent days have again evidenced that there are no arguments whatsoever against the law. Miserable performance of a representative of Salome Zourabichvili at the Parliament of Georgia today was a clear testament of this fact once again.

Let me remind you that a Law of Georgia on Transparency of Foreign Influence envisages only one requirement: entities carrying foreign influence in the country need to publish their annual financial reports once a year. No arguments are plausible against such law.

Citizens of Georgia are entitled to know who is funded by whom in this country, who is carrying positive or negative influences of a foreign power. In such conditions, the Georgian public will be better protected from any attempt of its sovereignty be abused.

Let me also remind you that since 2016 we have undergone only one more-or-less peaceful year in Georgia. We have witnessed two attempted revolutions over the past four years channeled through the radical opposition, NGOs and media outlets.

This country requires no radicalization or perpetual attempts of revolutions, but peace and stability. Law passed by the Parliament of Georgia is serving this exact, most important purpose. I fully understand the cause of anxiety demonstrated by forces that were planning to benefit from this obscurity, orchestrate revolutions in Georgia, create a second front-line and turn Georgia into another Ukraine. Their hopes failed today as the Law of Georgia on Transparency of Foreign Influence will effectively indemnify such a scenario from developing.

I wish to express gratitude to each and every Member of Parliament, who voted in favor of the Law of Georgia on Transparency of Foreign Influence, thus demonstrating their loyalty to the national interests of Georgia, its independence and sovereignty.

It should be highlighted that the Law of Georgia on Transparency of Foreign Influence will facilitate the main recommendation of the EU on depolarization to be honored. In addition, it will promote tranquility within the country, solidification of public institutions and quick economic growth. Thus, the Law of Georgia on Transparency of Foreign Influence will create a better foundation for ensuring our accession to the European Union. As noted at multiple occasions, Georgia will be prepared for EU membership by 2030 much better than all other Candidate Countries. With its dignity, independence, freedom and sovereignty, Georgia will become an EU Member State,” stated the Prime Minister.